Reviews

A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany

hidingzeus's review against another edition

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3.0

Honestly, every time I read these later books in the series, I'm just disappointed she's with Ryan. Why? He obviously doesn't value her!
I did like that Gemma gave Peony a home, though.

thisandthatwithkaren's review against another edition

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4.0

“A Curious Incident" is the 6th instalment in "A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop" Mystery series by Vicki Delany. I believe this is the first book I have read in the series, and it can easily be read as a standalone but I recommend reading in order. I have since purchased a few in the series.

The story is entertaining as well as humorous which is the perfect combination. The setting of West London in Cape Cod is idyllic I love books set by the sea with a small town feel. The idea of a tea room and bookstore as the main characters business was fantastic being two of my favourite things. I loved the characters of Gemma and BFF Jayne along with Moriarty the bookstore cat and Violet the dog. I really liked the interaction between Gemma and Lauren and hope we see her again in future books.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with enough twists to keep you interested. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

cradlow's review against another edition

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mysterious

5.0

thepurplegiraffe's review against another edition

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4.5

I guessed whodunnit, I'm so proud of myself, haha! I liked being back in West London with Gemma and Jayne, and definitely enjoyed exploring new parts of the cozy town! The actual mystery was pretty good, I thought, and just as I'd figure something out, Gemma would too, which made for a satisfying experience. (I will be honest, though, Ryan drove me a little crazy in this one. Answer your phone when your girlfriend calls, bro, she could be in trouble and you keep sending her to voicemail xD)

4.5 stars from me! 

peggyemi's review against another edition

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4.0

A Curious Incident is the sixth book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series and an entertaining read. This time around, the competition between members of the garden club turns deadly, when a garden is destroyed and a member is murdered. This time around, Gemma is asked by a young girl to help prove her mother did not commit the murder. I very much enjoyed the introduction of Lauren, the niece of one of the secondary characters, and the bond that formed between her and Gemma. All of the secondary cast of characters make return appearances with some special things in store for the reader. What I found interesting is that this time around, Gemma actually tried not to investigate but rather leave the case to Ryan and Louise. However, the best-laid plans get derailed.

The mystery kept me guessing because we really don't know all of the people involved in the murder. As always, I enjoyed following Gemma as she unraveled the clues in her very logical, and straightforward manner. She has an eye for detail and an ability to take in all she sees around her, process it, and then form logical conclusions based upon all the facts. She is a unique character, but I also enjoy that she is softening a bit and somewhat less obvious to social queues.

If you are a fan of this series then I'm sure you are going to enjoy this latest mystery from author Vicki Delaney. I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley. The opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.

telerit's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

reader_cheryl's review against another edition

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4.0

A Curious Incident
A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
by Vicki Delany

Summary-A Curious Incident
Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookstore and Emporium, has a problem. A little girl in the shop wants to hire Gemma to find her missing cat, Snowball. Lauren Tierney is even willing to pay Gemma to search for the missing feline, Gemma turns down the job because she won’t make a promise she can’t keep. On a walk with her dog Violet, Gemma finds Snowball and Lauren is happily reunited with her cat.
A week later Lauren returns to hire Gemma again; this time Lauren wants Gemma to clear Lauren’s mother Sheila of a murder charge. Sheila is accused of murdering Anna Wentworth. Both women belonged to the West London Garden Club. Sheila accused Anna of having an affair with Sheila’s husband, David. Sheila also accused Anna of destroying Sheila’s garden, ruining her chance of winning the coveted best garden trophy. Shelia made the accusations in front of garden tour members and the two women ended up in a physical altercation and had to be pulled apart. Now Anna is dead, and Sheila is the prime suspect in the murder.
Gemma promises her boyfriend Detective Ryan Ashburton she won’t get involved and will tell Lauren to let the police handle the case. But Gemma’s curiosity won’t be ignored and so she sets out to see what she can discover and do the job Lauren hired her to do.
Recommendation(s)
The Sherlock Holmes references throughout the book make it a fun read. Delany’s writing makes the case a difficult one to solve. Recommended.
Author information/links
Vicki Delany
Publishing information
Published by Crooked Lane Books
Jan 12, 2021 | 304 Pages | 5-1/2 x 8-1/4| ISBN 9781643854748

#ACuriousIncident #Netgalley

betcei's review against another edition

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3.0

Murder during a gardening competition? Was someone so jealous of a beautiful yard that they destroyed everything? Gemma searches for clues like her bookshop namesake Sherlock Holmes, and helps to solve another bookshop mystery.

aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

sarahfett's review against another edition

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4.0

I always enjoy returning to West London to spend more time with Gemma and her friends. I've read all of the books in the series and like seeing how the characters have developed over time, but you could start with this book and still enjoy the mystery.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. The book will be released on December 15, 2020.